iPad Pro What to buy: 10.5 pro vs 11 pro?

[Dr_Charles_Forbin]

My trusty iPad Air 2 is having charging problems and I expect I'll have to replace it. Question is what to replace it with? I've been through the forums and here's my dilemma: I mostly use my iPad to watch movies and surf the web in bed in a usually darkened room. My phone is an 8+ which I will replace in a year or two. I don't do any serious photography on it. I know I could just get the cheap 9.7 but I do want some larger real estate (I think the 12 may be too large and awkward for my application as much as I want it). I hold on to my technology for a while so I want to future proof a bit which is why I'm considering the 11 pro vs the 10.5 pro but (1) I'm concerned about the face recognition in a primarily dark environment and (2) I want the future proofing of the new pencil functionality and the USB-C charger. Also, in general, if people are balking about the liquid retina on the Xr series phones, why is it not a bad thing on the iPads? Is it really just marketing?

so: Old 12, old 10.5, new 12, new 11, old 9.7? Thanks

 

[Greenmeenie]

Do not worry about face ID working in the dark. I have the 11” iPad Pro, and it has totally sold me on Face ID. It works flawlessly in the dark.

 

[Disconnect_00]

Face ID works fine in the dark. It's more the angle and closeness that matter, but the 2018 iPad Pro has a very good face ID system.

Overall, the 2018 iPad is probably the best fit for your needs. But since you want bigger, I'd go for the 11". You're going to spend almost as much on the 10.5" unless you buy used, and get half the performance, a less appealing screen, and less features.

Personally, I'd go 2018 9.7" in your situation. But if you plan on doing more with it than just movies in bed, go with the 11" Pro.

 

[EssModelsRule]

Can you limp along with the Air 2 until next month? The rumored 10” model might suit your needs for less coin than the overkill 11” Pro. I agree the basic 9.7” model currently available can do everything you listed but would want to see what the 10” looked like first. If you go 10.5”, they’re routinely available for about $150 off.

 

[tenordrum]

Can you limp along with the Air 2 until next month? The rumored 10” model might suit your needs for less coin than the overkill 11” Pro. I agree the basic 9.7” model currently available can do everything you listed but would want to see what the 10” looked like first. If you go 10.5”, they’re routinely available for about $150 off.

I picked up both a 10.5 and 12.9 gen 2 in the last few days. FaceID was not of interest to me. The 10.5 512 WiFi open box at BB was $521. the 12.9 512gb WiFi was $720 open box during one of their 4 hour sales. I have noticed quite a difference upgrading from the Air2.

 

[EssModelsRule]

I picked up both a 10.5 and 12.9 gen 2 in the last few days. FaceID was not of interest to me. The 10.5 512 WiFi open box at BB was $521. the 12.9 512gb WiFi was $720 open box during one of their 4 hour sales. I have noticed quite a difference upgrading from the Air2.

Great buys. Got my 10.5” 64GB Wifi for $499 back in summer 2018, so I should’ve known the deals would be even sweeter today. Coming from a Mini 4, I’ve adjusted to (begrudgingly accepted...) the size and it’s a great iPad. I would choose it again over the 9.7” if buying today. Interested to see how they slot the upcoming 10” in the lineup. FaceID has been great for me since getting a XS, so I’ll look for that on my next iPad.

 

[Johnny365]

I got my 10.5 (Wifi, 256GB) last April, brand new for $650 from a private seller. No regrets either. Back then, people were saying the new iPads would be released in June, but that never happened lol.

 

[mackie8]

Im in the same situation in the last few weeks...

I ended up with ipad 9.7 non pro...128 gb wifi

There is a reoccurring bright spot issue with 10.5 ipad pro... there is a lot of issue coming out of ipad pro 11 and the price i cant justify for my usage...

If u can wait for march there might be an updated 9.7 or 10inch models coming out...

I cant wait took the 2018 non pro model...
My air 2 is still good but my son uses that..

 

[DisraeliGears]

So, I just got an 11 Pro this week, but I debated the same question as last week the 10.5 was on a deep sale at Best Buy. I very nearly got a 10.5 but missed the sale, and because the cost difference was negligible post sale, did the 11.

That all said, I love the 11 Pro. It’s power is insane. As my first FaceID device, the ease of use compared to TouchID is a revelation. The 120 hz screen refresh is silky too. If you’re worried about future proofing, it’s definitely the way to go.

From what you’ve said tho, it doesn’t sound like your looking for a primary computing device. I hadn’t gotten a new primary use device since my old 2014 MBP (which I’ve still got for the occasional typing or file management use). If your not using the 11 as your daily driver, it kinda moves from overkill to 1st degree homicide. If you need something to complement your day to day, I’d go for the 10.5

 

[azentropy]

I got the 11" about 10 days ago and have a 10.5" too. Here are my thoughts... So far.
And just a quick background - I've owned most iPads that have come out . It is easier to list the ones I haven't owned - the iPad 4, the Mini 3, the original Pro 9.7 and the 12.9" Pros.

* It is extremely fast, although the 10.5 was no slouch. Launching apps, scrolling, zooming in/out of everything is just fantastic.
* Extremely disappointed how many apps haven’t been updated to take advantage of the full screen. Many/Most of non apple apps I use I now actually get a smaller display area than with my 10.5 iPad Pro. Some of the apps haven’t been updated in a while, but some have been but just not to take advantage of the bigger screen. (SSG3, Trivia Crack, Facebook, Dolphin, Google Maps)
* FaceID works less than 50% of the time for me - not because of it in itself but because I seem to be constantly blocking the dang camera as I usually hold it in landscape mode. Hopefully I’ll get more aware of “holding it right”. It does work well in dark light.
* Unlocking the screen is slower than before and requires more steps and time unless you do it just right. Again related to above I always seem to have to tap, then move my hand from blocking the camera, then have to swipe up.
* I really miss the home button/touchid for many reasons. Another that didn’t even think of before is that by knowing where the home button is I instinctively knew where the lock/off and volume controls and charging port on the iPad were without having to think about it.
* It does charge must faster with the new charger and cable, however it is MUCH slower charging from my older 60w charger (using USB-A to USB-C cable). As in much slower than charging my 10.5 from it. Also It is a bummer to have to have now a different charger/cable than I do for my other iOS devices.

Many of these issue should improve over time, but it is kinda buzzkill at the moment. Also I don't use it in a case so can't compare the keyboards (which is supposed much better). Also I have no use for the pencil which is also much better.

 

[Dr_Charles_Forbin]

I wound up cheaping out with the 9.7... I couldn't cost justify the more expensive models, which I really wanted. It's just too much of a price jump. Apple would have replaced the existing one for $99 (which in hindsight probably would have been the best option) but offered me $130 on the Air 2 as a trade in for a new one. The sales tax and AppleCare almost washed the trade in and I had to go back to store for a price adjustment a couple of days later when I saw other stores offering the same model for $279 vs. $329. Apple will do price adjustments and if you buy online they'll handle it over the phone. The newer one is a lot faster on page refreshes. So I think I probably wound up paying about $160 (excluding AppleCare and sales tax). Of course I had to buy a new case ($40) because the new 9.7 is just a little thicker (literally a few mms) and wouldn't fit in my existing Lifeproof case. Thanks to everyone that answered. In the end - cheap wins.

 

[bpeeps]

Congrats! The pro-motion and laminated screens are a must have for me personally.

 

[Dr_Charles_Forbin]

Congrats! The pro-motion and laminated screens are a must have for me personally.

Thanks. I remember the screen issue when I bought my daughters in 2017 to replace a mini she had. I haven’t heard anything else about it since. If I could have cost justified it I’d have bought the Pro in a heartbeat but I just couldn’t do it. In hindsight I really just should have just replaced the Air 2 for $100. Live and learn.

 

[EssModelsRule]

Thanks. I remember the screen issue when I bought my daughters in 2017 to replace a mini she had. I haven’t heard anything else about it since. If I could have cost justified it I’d have bought the Pro in a heartbeat but I just couldn’t do it. In hindsight I really just should have just replaced the Air 2 for $100. Live and learn.

I think you made the right choice. I wouldn’t put $100 into a device that old when they’re offering $130 trade in as is. And I’m shocked they price match in Apple stores; did not know they did that but good deal for you. The only thing I question in your case (and many others frankly) is the need for AppleCare. Do you really need to pay 25% of the discounted cost of the new iPad to get the extra coverage? You’ve shown with the Air 2 that you take care of your stuff and you said you mostly use it in bed, so I’d hang on to that money.

 

[Dr_Charles_Forbin]

I think you made the right choice. I wouldn’t put $100 into a device that old when they’re offering $130 trade in as is. And I’m shocked they price match in Apple stores; did not know they did that but good deal for you. The only thing I question in your case (and many others frankly) is the need for AppleCare. Do you really need to pay 25% of the discounted cost of the new iPad to get the extra coverage? You’ve shown with the Air 2 that you take care of your stuff and you said you mostly use it in bed, so I’d hang on to that money.

A lot of people feel that way and I can’t say I blame them. I’ve been fighting with computers of some form since the mid-1980s and I learned my lesson about tablets a while ago when I kept the heat gun on the display a bit too long trying to loosen the glue on a bad panel and had to throw it out.. I’m not mechanically adept. $69 is cheap.

 

[ssledoux]

I wound up cheaping out with the 9.7... I couldn't cost justify the more expensive models, which I really wanted. It's just too much of a price jump. Apple would have replaced the existing one for $99 (which in hindsight probably would have been the best option) but offered me $130 on the Air 2 as a trade in for a new one. The sales tax and AppleCare almost washed the trade in and I had to go back to store for a price adjustment a couple of days later when I saw other stores offering the same model for $279 vs. $329. Apple will do price adjustments and if you buy online they'll handle it over the phone. The newer one is a lot faster on page refreshes. So I think I probably wound up paying about $160 (excluding AppleCare and sales tax). Of course I had to buy a new case ($40) because the new 9.7 is just a little thicker (literally a few mms) and wouldn't fit in my existing Lifeproof case. Thanks to everyone that answered. In the end - cheap wins.

Honestly, I think that’s a great iPad! I used one for 9-10 months between selling off my 12.9 pro and buying my 11” pro. And I bought 5 of them for my grandkids!

Honestly, the only reason I didn’t just stay with the 9.7 is because I do use my iPad as my main “computer,” and I just really felt like, because of that, I wanted some better specs (I wanted a bit more storage because I had only picked up the 32 gb, and ram, and the nicer screen and speakers don’t hurt). ;-p

I also really like Face ID, and, because I use my pencil a lot, was looking for a better writing experience as well.

Overall though, I think the 6th generation iPad is probably the best device for the money that Apple sells.

 

[kp98077]

Just go for the 11, honestly a huge upgrade. Looks better. Performs better. More accessories to be and will be more support. It’s a beautiful productive device you WONT regret!

 

[DaveyVigs]

I got my 10.5 64GB LTE model with smart KB for $500 from a previous owner back in December. Other than a missing box it looked like it had never been used. Battery showed 100% and only had 10 cycles on coconut battery. Best decision I have ever made. This thing is crazy fast. I couldn’t justify 799+159?+129+tax for the new 11, KB and pencil.

I tried the Apple Pencil 1 but returned it. I may buy it again later or see what the new 10 inch has in store next month or so.

 

[EssModelsRule]

A lot of people feel that way and I can’t say I blame them. I’ve been fighting with computers of some form since the mid-1980s and I learned my lesson about tablets a while ago when I kept the heat gun on the display a bit too long trying to loosen the glue on a bad panel and had to throw it out.. I’m not mechanically adept. $69 is cheap.

You got the right product and coverage for you, so that’s all that matters.

These things aren’t really user-repairable, more like disposable, so for the sake of discussion I’d counter that new iPads are cheap too in the unlikely event one needs to be replaced early. AppleCare is effectively a $69 bet that the iPad will have a hardware failure during the second year of ownership after the included one year warranty expires. That’s 25% of the replacement cost, so that’s a bet that there’s a 25% chance it’ll fail in year two. Actual rate of failure is certainly low single digits, nowhere near 1 out of every 4 sold. Like most consumer product extended warranties, AppleCare is a rip-off in most cases in my opinion. I’ve had countless Apple products and only one issue which occurred within the first year and was covered by the included warranty.

Edit to add that with AppleCare, in year two if it fails that $69 buys you the right to give them your defective iPad and walk out with a refurbished version of what you have. Without AppleCare, you still have the $69 and some amount of trade-in value for your defective iPad. Your Air 2 got $130, a more expensive device originally but older than 2 years. Using that amount as an example, that’s $199 you’d have to put towards a brand new latest and greatest model. And all this happens only if yours fails, which is a big if. The most likely outcome is Apple pockets the $69 as pure profit.

 

[macagain]

Beware the 11 doesn't allow a split keyboard (in non-zoomed mode), if that's important to you. I actually went to the store to get a 11, played around with it and discovered the bug/feature. Hopefully it's a bug that will get fixed (10.5 supports it, so not sure why the 11 wouldn't). But for now it's a deal breaker for me, which means I'll be using my 9.7 pro for awhile longer (10.5 just not much of a step up imo).

 

[Dr_Charles_Forbin]

I also have the Applecare for tech support, I don't look at it just as a repair option. The one I may pass on is the new one with theft for $249. There's $199 deductible - so it's an extra $100 plus $199. That's $300 in an event. My phones may break but never gotten lost/stolen. That's just Verizon/Asurion type profiteering, but the benefit is that you don't get Asurion phones. I'm also looking to replace my phone now since my daughter needs one and I was looking to replace at next refresh cycle anyway. For the phone, I could justify the XS max over the XR... but it's a big price jump for a nebulous return.